Strategic Grouping for Middle School Literacy Learning

Differentiated reading instruction: An effective model for the middle grades

Strategic grouping can transform reading instruction in the middle grades from a hit-or-miss learning experience to a targeted, responsive one. This book features a practical and field-tested model for small-group differentiated reading instruction in Grades 4–8. Jennifer Berne and Sophie C. Degener offer a clear, detailed discussion of how to position this instruction inside middle school language arts or reading classrooms and simple, effective strategies for classroom management, groupings, and assessment. The authors explain how to

• Balance brief strategic reading lessons with whole-class work
• Structure and guide reading groups consistently
• Assess students before and during reading groups
• Cue students and gauge understanding as they read

Differentiating instruction is not the flavor of the month in education; rather, it is the essential orientation for maximizing student success. Strategic Reading Groups gives teachers the tools they need to differentiate reading instruction in the critical middle years, as students begin to read more complex, content-filled narrative and informative texts.

Jennifer Berne, PhD is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Reading and Language at National Louis University. Dr. Berne teaches courses in the teaching of writing and the teaching of comprehension. She is also an active staff developer, working in K-12 classrooms in implementing best practices in contemporary reading and writing.

Sophie Degener, EdD is an assistant professor in the reading and language department at National Louis University, where she teaches literacy methods to pre-service teachers as well as courses in beginning reading and reading research. She works with many school districts around the Chicago area on the topics of balanced literacy and differentiated instruction.